Bushaway Trees just south of I 394 Frontage Road. Bushaway Task Force Progress Report Workshop for the Wayzata City Council June 5, 2012

Transcription

1 Bushaway Trees just south of I 394 Frontage Road Bushaway Task Force Progress Report Workshop for the Wayzata June 5, 2012 (revised 5/31/22) 1 Agenda 1. A recap of the actions and resolutions ( Jack Amdal) 2. Overview of County progress ( Mike Kelly) 3. Where are we today items that still are being discussed ( Ron) 4. Schedule/Timeline/Next Steps ( Jack Amdal) 5. Homeowner Packet explanation ( Peter Pflaum) 6. Conclusion ( Jack Amdal) 2 1

2 View of Bushaway Neighborhood in Fall from Causeway 1. Road Footprint 2008 Resolution Maintain current 2 lane curving footprint Including new water mains 2010 Adoption of Task Force 38 footprint: a 3 & a 7 shoulder; 6 clear zone total Pinchpoint exception at 665 and 639 Bushaway 2012 Task Force Updated Pinchpoint should extend entire length of Bushaway, Or at least from and from Bushaway 3 2. Boulevards (areas outside curbing) 2008 Resolution Eliminate boulevard 2010 Adoption of Task Force Save all gates and fences; avoid grading; avoid retaining walls Trees should be preserved except for rare exceptions 2012 Task Force Updated Reduce clear zones; minimize retaining walls; As suggested by SRF, allow grading of boulevards 4 2

3 2008 Resolution Narrow trail by historic homes 3. Trail 2010 Adoption of Task Force Trail only 6 wide; embed trail within shoulders of pinchpoint areas Use pervious surfacing; boardwalks preferred 2012 Task Force Updated Trail only 6 not 8 ; Trail design must minimize tree loss, e.g., side boring for utility installation 5 4. Intersection 2008 Resolution Greater alignment of McGinty and Eastman OK 2010 Adoption of Task Force Railroad bridge should be lowered and all intersection impacts minimized 2012 Task Force Updated As BNSF has agreed to lowering tracks, County should be commended. Eliminate right turn lane from Bushaway onto Eastman Lane 6 3

4 5. Intersection Features 2008 Resolution Avoid roundabout Use historic stonework 2010 Adoption of Task Force Reduce number and length of lanes 2012 Task Force Updated Establish a Task Force to work with County Refinement of signal light timing can reduce congestion 7 6. Preservation of Historic Artifacts 2008 Resolution Protect all homes, historic gates and fences 2010 Adoption of Task Force Preserve all fences & gates in present form Preserve 2 homes on McGinty 2012 Task Force Updated Clarification needed on relocation of fences Task Force needed 8 4

5 7. Railroad Bridge Design 2008 Resolution Use historic materials on bridge design 2010 Adoption of Task Force Bridge design should be limited to 3 lanes 2012 Task Force Updated After lowering of tracks and bridge, attention to using historic materials still critical City County Task Force should address such items 9 8. Retaining Walls 2008 Resolution Minimize size and number of retaining walls Pay attention to character of existing stonework 2010 Adoption of Task Force Avoid retaining walls Work with watershed and use VRSS, if possible 2012 Task Force Updated Walls may save more trees, but use retaining walls only when necessary to save trees or reduce ecological impact Tree preservation plan details are needed for preliminary approval 10 5

6 9. Tree Removal Moratorium 2008 Resolution County should not remove any trees until design has been finalized, unless the tree is diseased, dead, or poses a safety hazard 2010 Adoption of Task Force Tree inventory needed 2012 Task Force Updated 2008 moratorium needs to be reaffirmed and enforced This issue is serious because County cut down over 15 trees without City approval Traffic Analysis 2008 Resolution Independent traffic analysis needed 2010 Adoption of Task Force County should supply all assumptions used in traffic modeling 2012 Task Force Updated Based upon SRF independent consultant work, reduction of intersection right turn lanes is recommended 12 6

7 11. Staking Required 2008 Resolution County requested to stake of edge of corridor 2010 Adoption of Task Force Staking of hardsurface proposed roadway requested 2012 Task Force Updated Staking of outer construction zones edge necessary Homeowners need have a 60 day period to review effects of plan on their property Minimize Loss of Property 2008 Resolution Minimize easements 2010 Adoption of Task Force Limit damage to construction zones Hire an independent arborist 2012 Task Force Updated Staking at curb and trail edge needed 14 7

8 13. Innovative Design 2008 Resolution Use innovative ideas and techniques 2010 Adoption of Task Force Try to partner with MCWD Agency needed to oversee construction 2012 Task Force Updated Context Sensitive Design should be taken seriously Also, Low Impact Design and Complete Streets 15 Overview of County progress ( Mike Kelly) 16 8

9 County Progress since Agreement with BNSF to lower RR tracks approx. six feet (6 ) 2. Purchase of 1515 McGinty Road 3. McGinty/Eastman Lane intersection to remain in current location (slight realignment) 4. Addition of Pinch Point areas 5. Trail moved to West side of road, north of Bushaway Raod 6. Inclusion of several SRF recommendations, to reduce grading impacts a. Reduction of tapers at intersections b. Adjustment of road elevation c. Sloping of boulevards d. Elimination of median at LaSalle Street View of Bushaway Neighborhood in Fall from Causeway Where are we today ( Ron Anderson 18 9

10 Design Issues Under Discussion 1. Preservation of significantly more trees 2. A six foot (6 ) trail width rather than an eight foot (8 ) trail within pinchpoint segments. 3. Extension of pinchpoint segments to include the segment between south ends of 500 and 663 Bushaway and the segment between the south ends of 324 and 167 Bushaway 4. Changing the curb and gutter style on non trail side of the road, throughout, to a surmountable curb style. Preference is for a combination of v shaped and 4 or 5 vertical semisurmountable curbing that will not cause harm to turtles attempting to cross the road, while also considering safety. 19 Example of Trouble Spots Being Re designed This signature tree (42 cotton wood) at SE corner of Yacht Club parking lot will be lost unless trail can be wound around it into the parking area. This will require easement agreements with the Yacht Club

11 Other Issues Under Discussion 1. Undergrounding of all utilities many homeowners are not willing to accept design compromises unless power lines are buried (not including burying utilities from road to house) 2. Part time City Arborist and other city assistance in maintaining health of trees in road corridors, including the monitoring of tree preservation during construction and landscaping. 3. Establishment of an escrow account by the County from which homeowners that lose trees within 10 years due to root damage can draw compensation for the value of the trees lost. The amount of the fund as well as individual tree compensations would be determined with the aid of independent tree valuation experts. 21 Examples of Need for Burying Utilities Trees adjacent to 633 (Miller) & 623 (Pflaum) Pruning of trees by power lines and other utilities greatly shortens life of trees, makes them unsightly and greatly lowers the scenic value of trees 22 11

12 New Field based Negotiations Now in Place For 5 years, discussions around a table and group presentations have not proven to resolve the issues. We now have launched a new field team approach to examine and analyze each tree from the point of view of value and construction design impact assessment. A field team took over 20 hours walking the construction zones of Bushaway, McGinty, Eastman Lane, and the railroad corridor. Field team members included Greg Brown and Kathy Rand of URS, Manuel Jordan, independent arborist, and Ron Anderson, TF member and homeowner. In the course of tree risk analysis, the team has found several opportunities for saving trees by modifying design details Several tasks remain: 23 Field based Negotiations Design Process Nearing Completion 1. Reconciling identifications and GPS locations of each tree, which is nearly complete 2. Reviewing design and construction alternatives to save all trees in good condition (largely complete) 3. Classifying and color coding tree maps as follows: a) Removals b) Construction threatened trees trees that can be saved if special construction used to avoid root or canopy damage c) Uncertain trees differences of opinion about whether tree can survive construction 4. Identifying trouble spots justifying refinement 24 12

13 Near Agreement on Road Design and Construction Techniques 1. A variety of location specific design adjustments have been made to minimize tree lose due to both design and construction. These include more pinchpoint areas, changing center line, roadbed height, trail relocation, side boring for utilities, etc.) 2. Significantly fewer trees to be removed 3. More use of walls to save trees, but fewer feet of retaining walls overall compared to layout5a. 25 View of Bushaway Neighborhood in Fall from Causeway Schedule/Timeline/Next Steps (Jack Amdal) 26 13

14 4/26/12 County Proposed Schedule Event/Milestone Date Public informational meeting 1 (Bushaway neighborhood?) 7/10/12 Public informational meeting 2 (Broader public meeting?) 7/17 Field survey and staking 7/18 25 Individual property owner meetings 7/18 8/24 Layout modifications 8/6 31 Present Preliminary Design to for Approval 9/1 Detailed design & construction drawings & landscape plan 10/1 3/1/13 review & approval of final design & landscape plan 3/1/13 Meetings of County ROW agent with homeowners 3/1 9/13 Final easement agreements Fall, 2013 Homeowners Informational meeting on construction Fall, 2013 Construction completed Fall, 2016 Landscaping completed Fall, Proposed Sequence of Steps before Approval of Preliminary Design Events/Milestones Task Force approves layout revisions and homeowners packet Public meeting(s) on overall plan County stakes construction zones showing savable trees Prep & mailing homeowner packets, allowing 60 day review period to begin Meetings with individual homeowners Start 60 day review period Compilation of feedback by Task Force and County Layout modifications County Presentation to Council approves Preliminary Design 28 14

15 View of Bushaway Neighborhood in Fall from Causeway Homeowner Packets ( Peter Pflaum) 29 View of Historic (1918) Monument, Fence & Gateway at 623 Bushaway Rd 15

16 From 2010 Bushaway Task Force Report (Adopted by Council) Action Item 3 on what should be given each property owner: The Wayzata will not assess the Hennepin County s proposed reconstruction plan for at least 60 days after each property owner on Bushaway Road (& the Task Force) has the following details from the County: I. most current horizontal alignment and layout design for Bushaway Rd, with stakes at the north and south ends on each property to mark the outer boundary of the clear zone, which is the line beyond which no snow storage nor construction would occur, II. the most current centerline profile illustrating the proposed vertical alignment for the roadway s horizontal design for Bushaway Road, and III. the most current design cross sections which illustrate how the horizontal and vertical alignments transition to the existing conditions on either side of the proposed roadway. IV. This information should specify to property owners and the Task Force all design details of all proposed walls, driveway elevations, tree impacts, and any construction easements. Items in the Homeowner s Packet 1. Letter from Mayor of Wayzata 2. Letter from County 3. Outline of project schedule & overall process 4. Property information sheet 5. Roadway footprint drawing 6. Roadway cross sections drawing 7. Drawing of roadway showing threatened trees 8. Glossary of Terms 9. Comment Form to be returned to City for Task Force 16

17 Sample Roadway footprint drawing Sample Cross Section Drawings 17

18 Sample Drawing of Tree Removals Plus Trees to be Saved Sample Drawing of Tree Risks Only 18

19 View of Bushaway Neighborhood in Fall from Causeway Conclusions (Jack Amdal) 37 Task Force Effort Volunteer members of the Bushaway Task Force have given 1,000s of free hours of their time to this project. A great many additional hours will be required going forward in trying to improve design details but also landscaping plans, including stone and metal work for walls and railings. Local Scenic Byway designation for Bushaway Rd achieved with help of City and

20 County Effort The County Transportation Design Department has also worked hard to work out resolutions of the issues. Foremost in their accomplishments is the agreement with BNSF to lower the tracks. In other ways, they are trying to help arrive at designs that are acceptable. 39 MCWD Contribution Study by Barr Engineering Joint working group with Wayzata for Bushaway Willingness to employ an arborist who would regularly monitor construction and landscaping to deter needless damage to trees, which indirectly contributes to stormwater management 40 20

21 Contributions The Bushaway Task Force and the neighborhood are greatly appreciative of the steadfast support provided by the Wayzata over the past 5 years of deliberations on the redesign of Bushaway Road. There are 3 additional items for which the Council's help would be very much appreciated: 1. Ensuring the Undergrounding of utilities by working with us to secure funding for burying all the utilities along Bushaway Rd 2. Obtaining Part time City Arborist services for the City and ensuring that an arborist monitors construction and landscaping and works with residents to maintain a healthy tree cover. 3. Supporting a County escrow account from which homeowners that lose trees within 10 years due to root damage can draw compensation. 41 Task Force Strategies Continue complete and accurate assessment of potential damage to historic, scenic and natural (especially tree canopy) resources from proposed design elements Continue negotiation for an appropriate balance between traditional engineering values and innovative standards such as CID and Complete Streets Vigilant review of every tree in good condition to explore all possible ways of saving it. Taking a strategic view, aiming for a scenic, historic, and healthy tree canopy for generations to come 42 21

22 End of Presentation Comments & Questions? 43 Appendix A Cross Section Analysis 44 22

23 Principal Differences between County & Task Force Basic Footprint Proposals April, 2012 County Design (layout 5a) May, 2012 Task Force s TF Proposed Reduction in Feet 5 shoulders 4 shoulders 2 6 boulevard 4 boulevard 2 8 trail 6 trail County s Typical Footprint Proposal Layout 5a, May 2012 County Layout 5A Cross section 46 23

24 Task Force s Suggested Typical Footprint Proposal, April Principal Differences between County & Task Force Pinchpoint Proposals April, 2012 County Design (layout 5a) Pinchpoints on 18 25% of Bushaway Rd Pinchpoint design saves 3 on each side (total of 6 ) May, 2012 Task Force s Pinchpoint should extend much further, if not most of Bushaway Proposed pinchpoint would save a total of 15 by embedding trail within one shoulder 48 24

25 County s Pinchpoint Footprint Design, Layout5a, May 2012 Pinchpoint key concept: 4 concrete curb replaces 5 asphalt shoulder, saving a total of 6 (3 each side) 49 Appendix B s and Examples 50 25

26 Recommended Conditions of Approval of Preliminary Design 1. Approval by the Bushaway Task Force of the County s design layout and its tree protection plan. 2. Commitment of City to work with the County, State and other agencies to find funds for undergrounding of all utilities. 3. Commitment of the City to contract with an arborist to help Wayzata residents to maintain the integrity and health of all trees, including all trees within highway ROWs as well as on private and City property. 4. Establishment of an escrow account by the County from which homeowners that lose trees within 10 years due to root damage can draw compensation for the value of the trees lost. The amount of the fund as well as individual tree compensations would be determined with the aid of independent tree valuation experts. 5. The City should strengthen the language of the 2008 resolution regarding the moratorium on tree removal along Bushaway to include prior notification to the City and the imposition of penalties for violation of this moratorium. This is necessary because this Winter the County removed 20 trees, supposedly to accommodate large truck traffic without approval of the City 51 Unresolved Issues that can be Addressed between Preliminary & Final Approval 1. The County, working with a City of Wayzata committee, should create a City County Landscaping Committee to design a preliminary landscape plan for all of the graded areas. The plan would include the type of vegetation and the size and species of trees in specific locations. The plan should also plan for how trees lost to root damage are replaced in the future. 2. Final plans for location and timing of replacement for all private fences impacted by the project. 3. Determination of an acceptable wall/guardrail design along the causeway. 4. Use of natural stone in conjunction with simulated stone in the design of any necessary retaining walls. The exact nature of these walls should be determined by the City County Landscaping Committee

27 Example 1 of Trouble Spots Being Re designed Pinched area between 218 Bushaway (east) and 167 & 217 (west) Design now calls for removing trees only on the East. Moving center line, adding more pinchpoint curbing, and a 6 foot trail could reduce most of tree loss 53 Example 2 of Trouble Spots Being Re designed Fence will be saved but large trees behind it at 231 (Proctor) Bushaway may be lost due to both root damage and upper limbs hanging into construction area. Pinchpointing needs to be applied more aggressively 54 27

28 Example 3 of Trouble Spots Being Re designed Pinched area at 263 (Smarts) and 271 (Courtney s) Bushaway (east) set to lose 10+ trees (see photo) Raising height (profile) of road and other pinchpoint design features could save most of them 55 Example 4 of Trouble Spots Being Re designed This signature tree (42 cotton wood) at SE corner of Yacht Club parking lot will be lost unless trail can be wound around it into the parking area. This will require easement agreements with the Yacht Club

29 Example 4 of Trouble Spots Being Re designed Pinched area between Locust Hills and 1515 McGinty s blue spruce requires moving center line north and removing 5 blue spruce, losing several Locust Hills tree or reducing boulevard area, treating this as a pinchpoint 57 Examples of Need for Arbor Analysis This beautiful large oak at northern border of Locust Hills is dying of fungi and trunk is rotted out. Should be taken down and area used for other purposes. Tree preservation plans must take current condition (quality ratings) into account. See next slide: 58 29

30 Tree database Trees with condition rating below 25% may not be worth saving. 59 Intersection with preliminary At Risk Trees Numbers Marked by Heritage Shade Tree 60 30

31 Examples of Need for Arbor Analysis Some of these trees behind fence at 620 (Morris) Bushaway can be saved if horizontal boring is used to install utilities under trail. 6 trail width would help as well. 61 Examples of Need for Arbor Analysis Some of these trees at 218 (Salveson) Bushaway are damaged and not worth trying to save. Retaining walls for slopes like these may help save trees

32 Examples of Need for Burying Utilities Trees adjacent to 633 (Miller) & 623 (Pflaum) Pruning of trees by power lines and other utilities greatly shortens life of trees, makes them unsightly and greatly lowers the scenic value of trees 63 Appendix C Drawings showing need for Homeowners Information Packet 64 32

33 View of Historic (1918) Monument, Fence & Gateway at 623 Bushaway Rd 623 Bushaway Rd 630 Bushaway Rd CSAH & 630 Layout 33

34 Results of Westwood Study: Impact on 623 Property: Loss of 13 Trees 34

35 Results of Westwood Study: Impact on 623 Property Summary: Taking down 60 of historic stone wall County s condemnation of 15 of property for grading Loss of 13 trees and damage to others Loss of buffer resulting in increase traffic noise and view of road from home Impact on 630 Property Summary: Combination of tree removal in right of way and trail 32 from home results in no privacy and practically unusable front yard Driveway becoming significantly steeper, creating a dangerous condition for anyone trying to leave this driveway, especially in the winter Consideration: Property owners adjacent to Bushaway Road should not have to hire a surveying and engineering firm to uncover damages to their property County should supply all property owners with information needed to analyze the damage and put information in a format property owners can understand Once property owner has this information, property owner needs days to analyze material and to contact Task Force and regarding any damage to their property 35